Opinion

This Much We Know – Gameweek 34

Cherries assets spruce up their end of season CVs. Middlesbrough’s defence appears chaotic under Steve Agnew. Jose Mourinho’s teamsheet frustrates once again, while a rested Eden Hazard builds his stock for the Wildcard shake-up. This and more occupy our thoughts following the weekend’s action.

Agnew’s appointment may have doomed our Double Gameweek aspirations…
We woke up this morning and checked again but, sadly, our worse fears were confirmed. Somehow we did decide to invest in Middlesbrough for their double Gameweek 34.

It didn’t take long for the wheels to come off.

Just two minutes into their trip to Bournemouth, we were already regretting our faith in the seemingly doomed Teesside outfit after Josh King opened the scoring in a comprehensive 4-0 rout of Steve Agnew’s beleaguered side.

Granted, Boro still have a midweek home encounter against Sunderland – a side with a single away clean sheet on their travels all season – to atone for their Vitality hammering.

Yet the signs are far from encouraging. Middlesbrough have now conceded at least three times in three of six matches under Agnew and found the net on just four occasions.

Put into perspective, Boro only conceded three or more in three of Aitor Karanka’s 27 matches in charge prior to his dismissal.

With Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool to come in the final four Gameweeks, it looks only a matter of time before their slip back into the Championship.

Ben Gibson is already number one for transfers-out in defence, while Alvaro Negredo is second only to the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the exodus picks up pace.

Further disappointment on Wednesday and those sales will surely only accelerate, and we will be resigned to put it down as a lesson learned.

The Cherries can be more than pre-Wildcard punts…
As evidenced by Bournemouth’s demolition of sorry Boro, overlooking those sides without upcoming double Gameweeks isn’t always the wisest of tactics.

Charlie Daniels racked up 14 points in the south coast stroll, while Josh King – benched by over 104,000 FPL managers – netted for the eighth time in nine Gameweeks to maintain his relentless stream of goals.

Such form suggests that, even for those with second Wildcards still to play, Eddie Howe’s key men yet be worthy targets.

Indeed, with Sunderland, Stoke and Burnley up next, the schedule could barely be kinder for a Cherries side nestled in the safety of mid-table and free to express their attacking instincts.

The relegation dog-fight still has a part to play…

While Middlesbrough look to have meekly accepted the inevitable, Swansea City and Hull City’s battle for survival is set to go to the wire.

Subject to more transfers-out (97,000) than any player in the centre of the park last week, Gylfi Sigurdsson was back in the points as an assist in the Swans’ 2-0 win over Stoke City elevated him to sixth in the midfield standings.

Meanwhile, goals from Fernando Llorente and Tom Carroll, and an assist from Jordan Ayew, suggested that Paul Clement’s differentials still have the stomach for a fight.

It was a similar story over at the KCOM Stadium, where goals from Lazar Markovic and Sam Clucas – with 0.2% and 0.1% ownerships respectively – helped extend the Tigers’ superb home record under Marco Silva.

The 2-0 win over Watford served as a timely reminder to the 756,000+ who opted to bench Eldin Jakupovic that this time of the season has the potential to make heroes of the unfashionable.

On that note, Harry Maguire – owned by less than 1% of FPL managers – now has two goals and a clean sheet in three ahead of encounters with Sunderland and Palace in the next three. He’s had more shots, and more shots on target, than any other Tigers’ asset since earning regular starts in Gameweek 15.

Travel sick Lukaku can’t be a passenger…
Romelu Lukaku may have exceeded our expectations this season, gifting us some fond memories along the way, but, typically, he’s still finding ways to frustrate.

While 11 goals in six at Goodison Park underlines his devastating form on Merseyside, Lukaku’s blank at West Ham means he now has just a single goal from his last eight road trips.

Still sitting in over 46% of sides, Lukaku now offers a home encounter against Chelsea prior to a pair of road trips (at Swansea and Arsenal) in the final three Gameweeks.

Without a double Gameweek, he now arguably has just one very favourable-looking fixture remaining – at home to Watford in Gameweek 37.

But with ten teams set to play twice that week, the Belgian will surely need to convince against the league leaders this weekend if he is to avoid a major cull once our second Wildcards go active.

Zlatan’s absence has made Mourinho all the more slippery…
Say what you like about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, at least his availability handed us a certainty on Jose Mourinho’s teamsheet.

Devoid of his injured top scorer, the United manager’s decision to bench the in-form Marcus Rashford, and instead call upon Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial, was vindicated after both grabbed a goal apiece in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Burnley. That didn’t make it more palatable for the 457,000+ FPL managers who moved for Rashford ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

Utilised as a 21-minute bit part player, Rashford will be expected to return to centre stage for Thursday’s derby clash with Man City.

Whether he can justify the show of faith that persuaded over 279,000 to hand him the armband is another matter altogether.

At the back, Mourinho gave Antonio Valencia’s 99,000+ new owners another reason to gripe after handing the right-back yet another day off to start Ashley Young.

The Ecuadorian has now graced the teamsheet in just one of his side’s last four league matches, missing out on two of their previous three clean sheets.

With United challenging for a Champions League berth on two fronts, Mourinho’s line-ups will likely continue to frustrate over the run-in. Investment for double Gameweek 37 already looks to be riddled with uncertainty.

We’re reserving a slot for Benteke under Big Sam…
Okay, they aren’t mathematically safe quite yet but, with victories over Chelsea, Arsenal and now Liverpool in the last five Gameweeks, it seems only a matter of time before Crystal Palace secure their survival.

Sam Allardyce’s record of having never suffered the ignominy of relegation looks near certain to remain intact, with Christian Benteke the chief protagonist in their bid to beat the drop.

Allardyce’s penchant for…ahem…”direct passing”, allied with the Belgian’s aerial ability, appeared to be a marriage made in Fantasy heaven from the get-go, yet it took Benteke – and the Eagles – time to adjust.

After netting once in his first 11 league outings under the new manager, Benteke now has five goals and an assist in five ahead of a midweek home clash with Spurs.

Further home matches, against Burnley and Hull, in the following three afford the Belgian a further platform to deliver, with Benteke surely pencilled in on our Watchlists for next season. A full pre-season with Allardyce and mid-price valuation with the FPL could see Benteke become a darling around these parts.

Avoiding Hazard with the Wildcard just invites heartache…
Eden Hazard required little time to make an impact once unleashed from the bench, along with Diego Costa, in Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final win over Spurs.

Surprisingly named among the subs on Saturday, the Belgian’s introduction proved the turning point as he supplied a goal and assist to steer his side to a Wembley showdown against Arsenal next month.

While Costa once again huffed, puffed and scowled his way through his brief Wembley appearance, Conte’s decision to afford Hazard a slight rest seemed to reinvigorate the schemer and he again demonstrated his potential to deal heavy end of season damage.

Hazard has produced points in five of his last six league outings, serving up three sets of double-figures over that period, with the only blank being the 2-0 loss at Old Trafford in Gameweek 33.

Ironically, that defeat may now favour FPL managers. With their lead whittled down to four points at the summit, Conte can ill-afford to take chances in his bid see off Spurs.

Providing the chase continues, Chelsea’s outstanding schedule from Gameweek 36 onwards – (MID, wba & WAT, SUN) – hands Hazard the chance to play his way into our Wildcard plans as he tracks Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku at the top of the FPL overall standings.

Pochettino’s tinkering has us doubting Son again…
After running riot with a 4-2-3-1 formation in recent weeks, Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to revert to a 3-4-2-1 set-up against Chelsea at Wembley has once again placed question marks over Son Heung-min.

Utilised as a wing-back with Ben Davies dropping to the bench, the South Korean failed to register a single attempt on goal before being replaced midway through the second period.

Five goals and an assist in the last four Gameweeks demonstrate that Son – on his day – is more than capable of delivering major hauls and rivalling pricier team-mates.

But Pochettino’s weekend XI served a timely reminder that the midfielder’s position and pitch-time will keep us fidgeting.

With Christian Eriksen providing the assists for goals from Harry Kane and Dele Alli in the 4-2 defeat, Son’s star has slipped, and only a return to 4-2-3-1 is likely to keep him in consideration as a viable route into Spurs’ relentless attack.

Keeper swaps are an untimely issue…
Nobody likes spending precious transfers on goalkeepers – not now, not ever.

Yet on Saturday alone, we witnessed Lee Grant, Joel Robles and Darren Randolph all drop to the bench after extended runs between the posts for their respective clubs.

Owned by 9% of FPL managers, Grant is now the number one for transfers-out between the sticks in light of Mark Hughes’ decision to hand the fit-again Jack Butland a first start of the season for Stoke.

While Fantasy managers still holding their second Wildcards have carte blanche to freshen up their options for the double Gameweeks, those without are now left fretting over the one position that we so often like to sort and then ignore.

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2,113 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    For WC 36, which combo?
    (1) DDG, Monreal
    (2) Cech, Kompany
    (3) Cech, Monreal

    Have no other defensive cover from any of the teams. Thanks!

    1. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      1 looks good.

    2. Unsuccessful
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      I don't know just yet but 1 or'3. I quite like double Arsenal but my concern is they may not have their eyes fully on the prize.

    3. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      I would say 2 but if you have no United cover it's got to be 1.

  2. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Have no WC so think Ill maybe need to take a bunch of hits to make it up..
    Currently standing on a -12..

    Kun, Luk, Son, Zaha -> Kane, Sane, Sanchez, Anchi

    I know it's way too much but taking hits this season has done it for me

    1. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Why are you selling Aguero before Boro?
      Also, Zaha has Burnley at home next.
      You can bring Sanchez in before the Double DGW.
      -12 looks too much.

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Jesus will be back and got Sane to cover that up and got Benteke also. Need to get rid of Kun in to get Kane

        1. Legomane
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          -12 to get Kane is too much..

      2. willgriggsonfire
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Yeah, but you can wait and see how much game time Jesus gets this week.
        I'd say if you can manage to bring in Kane+MF in place of Lukaku and Son, do it this week. Others, next week.

        1. thomashl
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          2nd this

  3. willgriggsonfire
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Hi all!
    What are your thoughts about Blind. Thinking of getting him in place of Valencia.
    With no CB currently available apart from Bailly, Blind looks most likely to start.
    Has the attacking threat and gets the bonus points too.

    1. thomashl
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      I'm considering the same thing. On my WC this week, and it's between Bailly and Blind. I think there's a 1-10% chance that Mourinho does something crazy vs Swansea like resting Bailly for Axel Tuanzebe, Blind has been rested half the season and must surely play the remaining games. Will be monitoring the derby closely

      1. willgriggsonfire
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Yeah, just can't be sure with Mou atm. Even the derby won't be an indicator for what he does next I think.

        1. thomashl
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          Yup. At least last week taught us not to transfer until all the matches have been played... I activated my WC still, so as not to get burned by price rises

    2. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      I bought in Darmian for this current GW (6 points so far) and now switching to Blind in my active WC. Thursday will reveal more but I am confident in Blinds minutes going forward.

  4. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Who stand better chance to win ML?

    Team A: 90 points + No chips left

    Team B: WC + BB

    Can Team B overcome all the odds and win the ML?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Dont think so, should be easy win for A

      1. Moose™
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Ah. Seems like I have to settle for a second place then.

        Used my TC for Kun. If I have my TC, would I be able to turn it around?

      2. willgriggsonfire
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Well no use thinking about it now.
        I'd say look for differentials in the bottom 5-6 teams. They might just get the points.

    2. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      I'd say A. Just has to play safe from here on, take minimum hits, etc.

    3. A Defender's Nightmare
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Don't think so.

  5. Killers
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Hey Guys

    Was there a scoutcast last night?
    If not, when is it scheduled to be.
    Thanks 🙂

    1. Unsuccessful
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      It's scheduled for today I believe.

      1. Killers
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        okies..thanks 🙂

  6. IWR
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Any advice on this lot? 7.7 ITB, 1FT.

    Jaku (Valdes)
    Alonso, Valencia, Yoshida (Davies, Holgate)
    Sanchez, Alli, Zaha, King (TCarroll)
    Kane, Lukaku, Negredo

    1. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Have you got your WC left?
      Valdes - DDG
      Negredo - Gabby
      T. Carroll - Hazard

      1. IWR
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Sorry should have said, already used it.

        DDG over Cech?

      2. willgriggsonfire
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Arsenal defence not looking the most assured atm.
        Can wait another week I think.

    2. A Defender's Nightmare
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      I'm thinking Negredo to Gabbi.

  7. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Morning all. What 3 striker combo is best for rest of season in your opinion?? I have my WC and so far only definite striker planned is Kane

    1. A Defender's Nightmare
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Kane, Jesus, Gabbi (if he scores tonight).

    2. thomashl
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Difficult to predict with Gabbi being a walking question mark as to whether he's nailed AND poor form. Kane surely, other than that it's hard to tell.

      On my WC this round I'm putting my money in midfield, defense and Kane:

      DDG Pick
      Alonso Stephens Bailly Clichy Holgate
      Sanchez Hazard King Alli JWP
      Kane Benteke Anichebe

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        love that midfield.

        1. thomashl
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          Thanks, mate. If you have any suggestions, I'm glad to hear'em. Obviously will get Gabbi for DGW (352) – if he starts scoring, that is. Should get Sané for his dgw as well

          1. bigbudgie
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 19 days ago

            are you not concerned at no city in there?

            1. thomashl
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 19 days ago

              Clichy is there, will definitely try to get Sané for his DGW. The question is who to sacrifice

              1. bigbudgie
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 19 days ago

                May have to be Alli if you keep that team structure

  8. A Defender's Nightmare
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Any Spanish Premier league followers around? Where can I get preview/team news/predicted starting line up for Atletico vs Villarreal game?

    Googled it. Didn't find anything.

  9. Legomane
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Nightmare start to GW34...rival has come from 15 behind to 2 ahead, partially thanks to an inspired AOA move involving Clucas 🙁
    But who will lead going into GW35?
    (We share Eriksen + Tekkers)

    A
    Alonso Valencia Gibson
    Sanchez Alli Kane

    B (+2)
    Bailly Dier Sané
    Hazard(c) Rash Kun

    1. thomashl
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Hard to tell, but I'd get rid of Valencia and Gibson a$ap if I were you

    2. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      All depends on Hazard - if he blanks A has a good chance.

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      B

  10. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Gabbiadini is a trap, surely.

    Southampton: inconsistent and mediocre. Yes, double double gameweek. But fixtures not great (HUL liv ARS mid MUN STO). Nothing to play for.

    Discuss

    1. thomashl
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Couldn't agree more. Hard to comprehend the amount of people here saying he should be in if you WC this week. I'm still receiving 2nd degree burn treatment after Negredo, no way I'm shooing Gabbi in at this point. If he seems extremely inspired next gw, maybe.

      But - who ARE the striker options for DGW? I mean, Giroud?

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        The reason I think people are going for him is choice. Tekkers (No GW's) is the only threat at similar price. With Ibra going and kaku expensive and no DGW's the choice is almost forced. There is every good reason to ignore him though.

        1. bigbudgie
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          Tekkers has Hull at home in 37, if he keeps up his form....could be one of those good SGW players to have

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 19 days ago

            I am agreeing with you. Tekkers I will keep but I will probably rid Kaku for a punt on Gabbi; more to free up funds to get Haz who i consider essential GW37.

            1. bigbudgie
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 19 days ago

              gotcha. How about a fit and firing Jesus?

              1. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 19 days ago

                Rotation risk. If I were chasing I would consider. Watch the space.

        2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          Palace are almost safe

          The motivation will not be as a high once they are 100% safe you can guarantee that.

          It was a great time to bank on palace but the time has gone in my opinion

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 19 days ago

            Fair enough but if there is a 'safe" team I would risk Palace who are in a great space atm. Big Sam fights for everything. I was worried when Sakho could not play but they got over that as well.

      2. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Kane, Jesus if he gets match fit, Costa being overlooked again?

      3. Dee Lixon
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Considering sticking with Kane and Lukaku and spending the money on midfielders

        1. thomashl
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          I think now's the time to get rid of Kaku. Home to chelsea going to be tough, but after that 2 of their last 3 are away fixtures, and it's getting near empirically proven that he can't score away.

          1. Dee Lixon
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 19 days ago

            True. But he might be playing for a big time trade after the season as motivation.

          2. bigbudgie
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 19 days ago

            I dropped Lukaku on WC in 32 as a calculated gamble, Kane and Ibra matched him over the two strong home fixtures,green arrows so far (hopefully another this week but not at the moment!)

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Not many/any options in that price bracket means he will be popular...

      1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Could go five mids instead

      2. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        What about Defoe? He has a DGW37

    3. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Unless I see evidence otherwise - I would probably agree.

      Factor in rotation risk and the imminent return of Austin, he could end up playing the equivalent of single gameweeks.

    4. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Yeah me too was thinking the same if Anichebe gets starts, that'd be enough for the DGW at least.
      Can play 5 decent mids in that scenario.

    5. _Freddo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Benteke has been killing the whole fixture debate so that's a non starter, he's already shown he has an eye for goal so he can still produce the points.

      Southampton have nothing to play for, like many teams at the end of the season, they tend to open up and play without pressure.

      Anyone remember Lukaku running riot for West Brom with nothing to play for or Walcott scoring a hatrick against West Brom with nothing to play for?

    6. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      On a WC and sold Benteke for Gabbi, hope you are wrong. Gabbi with 6 matches should outscore Benteke with 4. Southampton are one of those teams who virtually any game at home can win 4 nil.

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Their home record is ranked 15th in the PL

      2. Konig Luther
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        assuming Gabbi plays all of them, which i think he will not do it

        1. bigbudgie
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          Austin back in training right? Or just rotation with Long?

    7. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Good knowledge! Clearly i am getting confused with seasons gone bye.

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        well, I didn't know either, I just looked it up!

    8. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      If playing WC this week, then one advantage of playing it earlier than others is you still have two transfers in the following weeks to set up for the big DGW37.

      So can monitor Gabby game time, keep Benteke for this week, see how Welbeck goes, if Jesus shares minutes with Kun etc.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Or just keep Benteke against Burnley, use those free transfers now to tweak the squad and WC in 36 with the full knowledge of the status of players like Rashford, Jesus, Gabbiadini?

    9. Mark-O
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Considering and possible to buy Gabbi.
      However, NOT captaining him in any dgw for sure due to rotation threat.
      Case closed!

  11. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Pick one from each for gw35 only

    A Couthino
    B Firmino
    C King

    A Clichy
    B Sakho
    C Bertrand

    Cheers

    1. thomashl
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Don't completely trust liverpool, but cout if you must.

      I'd go for C and A, king and clichy

      1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Firmino not countinho

    2. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      B and C.

  12. thomashl
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Morning gents. Activated WC – appreciate your feedback if you find the time!

    DDG Pick
    Alonso Stephens Bailly Clichy Holgate
    Sanchez Hazard King Alli JWP
    Kane Benteke Anichebe

    Had to make tough choices due to poor TV, put the money in def, mid & kane. 0,3 ITB, TC36 BB37

    1. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      It's good. But I would get Llois or Cech, as you have Bailly for United def.

      1. thomashl
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Cheers. I've been considering Cech, but what he gains in DGW appeal he lacks in cleanie potential... hence DDG.

        Then perhaps I should monitor Ars/Spurs lineups closely, and go for one of their defs? Thanks, man!

    2. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Looks good.
      DDG/Cech can be looked at. Although, not too sure about Arsenal's def. atm.

      1. thomashl
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Wary of Arsenal as well, both due to a lot of unanswered questions and poor cleanie appeal. The ideal solution would be if Davies retains his place, which would free up funds for Sané for me in his DGW.

        Thanks!

      2. willgriggsonfire
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Don't be too sure about Davies lasting the season once Rose is back (whenever that is!), otherwise good enough.

        1. thomashl
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          That's my impression too, so I won't invest for now. Latest Son experiment definitely not helping. Just have to wait n see!

    3. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Looks sound, considering the TV limititations.

      Comfortable with Anichebe as 3rd striker? An alternative to consider might be switching him and JWP for Carroll and Llorente at some point? Not ideal, but they should be fighting for their lives in 37 and play Sunderland.

      1. thomashl
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Valid point there. Llorente has been getting to me as I've had him for weeks without return – and this gw I sold for Regredo...

        I'll certainly be thinking about it, but the fact that it's an away game (albeit to Sunderland) makes me wary. Thanks for introducing some new ideas, though!

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      If that was my current team and I had a WC I would be taking out Alonso, Cliche, Benteke, Afobe.

      Basically you can't afford both Sanchez and Hazard and it is messing up the rest

      1. thomashl
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Interesting! But just as interesting is who you would replace them with?

        I agree that having both Sanchez and Hazard is very challenging for me. At the same time, they both seem essential for the DGWs to come. For me it's either get them now or never because of price rise.

        Sanchez might get replaced depending on his performances, but if someone is involved in this arsenal team it's him.

        Who would your strikers be, then? Kane is a shoo-in, Kaku I'll stay clear of due to his two away matches and Benteke's plum this weekend, Gabbi is highly questionable formwise, Rashford is prone to rotation... 2nd forward role is between the last two after this GW.

        Thanks, mate

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          DDG Pick
          Yoshida, Blind/Bailly, B Davies, Gabriel, Holgate
          Sanchez/Hazard, Pedro/Coutinho/Redmond etc, King Alli, Sane
          Kane Rashford Gabbiadini

          1. thomashl
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 19 days ago

            Strong suggestions! Considering Blind for Bailly, given Baillys extreme situation. I feel that the future of both Ars and Spurs defence is too unclear for me to invest at this moment (will Rose get fit, Wenger moving between backline formations, Mustafi possibly fit at some point), so I've decided against it for NOW.

            I plan to acquire either a Spurs or Ars though, just have to get closer to the dgw. Gabbi for me is not an option now, Rashford interesting but minutes are a factor... will probably get him during these next gws though. Sané will be transferred in for DGW somehow.

  13. Reuser
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Planning for dg37 (no wildcard):

    Thoughts on the following move?

    OUT: Zaha and Lukaku
    IN: Hazard and Llorente

    Llorente would likely be benched until gw37 (3-5-2 with Sanchez, Hazard, Alli, Eriksen and Sane).

    Cheers.

    1. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Looks good, yeah, do it.

    2. thomashl
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Looks good! Llorente mainly scores at home though, however motivation should be strong in that game.

    3. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Thanks both - am certainly tempted.

      Have the exact money for the move so am going to have to watch the price rises carefully. Would be for a hit this week, or free next week.

  14. Excuse The Kun
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Good morning Wildcarders!

    1st WC Draft
    WC on GW36 / BenchBoost on GW 37:

    Cech - Pick
    Alonso - Valencia - Davies - Cedric - Gabriel
    Hazard - Alli - Firmino - Ozil - Sane
    Kane - Gabbi - Anichebe

    0.5 ITB

    Ideally I'd like to have a 3rd Chelsea or a 2nd City cover. Thoughts?
    Cheers

    1. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Think there is better value in SOT defence with Yoshida or Stephens - and less rotation risk.

      Rose should be back soon - so Davies is a rotation risk (at best).

      Valencia likely to be rested routinely for the rest of the season.

      Think Vertonghen, Yoshida and Bailly should provide more security of starts.

    2. thomashl
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Agreeing with Ipswich Monkey, wouldn't touch Valencia on a WC. With united I'm between Bailly and Blind myself.

      Personally I'd be careful putting too many eggs into Sou defending basket.

      I'd go Sanchez over Özil.

      Gabbi... could be a trap, I'd surely wait until next GW transfer to see his performance in this weekend's game. Personally I'd rather have a sgw striker that scores than a DGWer that gets me 4 points.

      Hope this helps - feel free to comment on my WC post above, would be much appreciated. Good luck!

      1. Excuse The Kun
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Cheers Guys,
        Will take into consideration

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Down grade expensive defenders, upgrade Anchibe

  15. CABAYE4
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Morning all, is Hazard a must for the WC? Struggling to fit him in!

    For instance I can have:

    A. DDG/Cech, Alonso and Pedro
    Or
    B. Hazard, Jakupovic and Evans/Kone

    Which would you go for?

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      when you put it like this I'd say A

    2. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      I too have the same problem.
      Can't be too sure about Pedro though, he might be rotated with Willian.

      1. CABAYE4
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Yeah for some reason I don't see him as a must like Kane and Alexis at that price.

    3. Odin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Depends if you're chasing or defending, but I'd say leaving out Hazard is a big risk.

    4. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Who are your forwards?

      1. CABAYE4
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Kane (who likely will be 37 captain)
        Gabbiadini
        Jesus (will probs keep Lukaku as a placeholder this GW)

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          Then you can do kaku/Tekkers and upgrade to Haz? Rashford Deeney Defoe are the only remaining choices really.

  16. Odin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Thinking of an early WC. How does this lot stack up?

    Pickford - Cech
    Clichy - Stephens - Yoshida - Vertonghen - Gabriel
    Sanchez - Hazard - Eriksen - King - Ward-Prowse
    Kane - Jesus - Defoe

    1. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Nice team!
      Would be great if Jesus gets in the team soon.

      1. Odin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        He's a risk for sure, hoping he gets minutes on Thursday.

    2. thomashl
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Would be careful about choosing an Arsenal def. Doesn't seem set, I won't get one this week

      Jesus still hasn't played a minute, so I'd wait and see thursday out

      Form taken into consideration, I'd definitely go Benteke over Defoe.

      Good luck!

      1. Odin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Good feedback, thanks. Agree on Benteke but trying to get as maybe DGW players in for 37 BB as possible.

        Good point on the Ars def, anyone else you'd recommend for ~4.9, Evans maybe?

        1. thomashl
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          I see. I went with anichebe (relieves me of benching headache, but still gives some points for BB), not sure if I'll go gabbi yet. We'll see.

          I'd go for just one Sou def (Stephens to save cash, not much between them anyways), Holgate as a playing cheapie with possible BB returns in 37, and try to find some United cover maybe. It's a rotation risk, but they have the best defensive stats in the league atm. Between Blind and Bailly myself.

  17. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Score prediction for tonight's game:

    Chelsea vs Soton

    1. Odin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      2-0

      1. The Rock
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        2-0, maybe 2-1.

  18. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Can I have some views on anichebe on a gw36 wildcard to bb37?

    Seen a fair few teams with him in,

    Decent enabler or one to avoid?

    Think the front 3 is the hardest part if the wildcard to nail.

    Kane plus 2 others... .thanks

    1. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      I'm always tempted by double gameweekers. So gone for Gabbi and Rashford. Will be monitoring the minutes of Jesus and Giroud

    2. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      For the price, a very decent enabler - should bring home 4 points in gw37. Most likely no more - but you never know.

      I guess it comes down to what does it enable elsewhere in the squad?

      Not too excited about mid-range strikers at the moment for the dgw - Rashford or Gabbi are options of course, but rotation risks - and that 2 million goes a long way....

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Bench fodder enablers in a BB team is counter intuitive

  19. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Sanchez, Alli, Coutinho, Siggy*, Fletcher*
    Lukaku, Kane, Negredo*

    a) Siggy, Fletcher > Sane, King -4
    b) Siggy, Negredo > Sane/King, Benteke/Gabbi -4
    c) Fltecher > King
    d) Negredo > Benteke/Gabbi

    WC in 36. Leaning towards a or b

    1. gorilla
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      c

    2. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      I'm always tempted by double gameweekers. So gone for Gabbi and Rashford. Will be monitoring the minutes of Jesus and Giroud

    3. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Sorry wrong post before. B. Keep Fletcher as bench fodder and has a double in 37, a hard one but a double none the less.

  20. 1Banksy
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Yet another WC team. Mine is active as we speak as got TC and BB still to play.
    Cech, Hennessey
    Alonso, Clichy, Blind, Yoshida, Stephens
    Sanchez, Hazard, Alli, Sane, King
    Kane, Gabbi, Rashford
    0.4 in the bank for Hennessey to Foster (WBA)
    Thoughts please.

    1. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Looks solid; wait and see on Thursday for Blind/Clichy.

    2. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Cheers, I will be. Stones and Bailey may be the better combination as much as everyone hates Stones.

    3. Odin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      I prefer Pickford over Hennessey purely for price and DGW in 37
      Rashford i worry about rotation
      Gabbi not sure the form is there

      Midfield and Defense look very strong though

    4. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Hennessey is just for one more week then upgrading to Foster (WBA). I agree about strikers. Will learn more over next few days. Currently Rashford (H vs Swansea) or Gabbi (H vs Hull) will be on my bench as a result of my midfield.

    5. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Nice

  21. gorilla
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    will valdes play tomorrow?

    1. VS10_
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Press conferences today: Arsenal, Tottenham, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Crystal Palace

      Arsenal 9am and Palace 2.30pm. Maybe someone knows the rest.

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Doubt it

    3. gorilla
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      thanks

  22. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    am going full force for gabbiadini, people seem skeptic, you know what happens when we get optimistic around here, negredo rashford bandwagon

    1. gorilla
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      just get players who are important for their teams and will certainly start

    2. gorilla
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      crucial*

    3. abreu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      4 matches in 10 days seems a bit much for him considering recent injury layoff tho

  23. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    WC 3.0.
    I can see the risks of this WC team but still interested in opinions.
    0.0 left.

    Cech/Pick
    Holding-Holgate-Alonso-Stones-Stephens
    Zaha-Coutinho-Eriksen-Haz-Sanchez
    Kane-Benteke-Anichebe

    Will then transfer out -

    Wk 36 - Zaha + Tekke out for Jesus/Gabbi and ......
    WK 37 Couthino > Sane

    1. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Stones would be my main issue with it; with Kompany and Otamendi fit I just don't see him playing very much.

    2. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Thanks
      yeah. Thurs may tell us more.
      Who would you suggest as a replacement?

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Holding & Stones rotation risks, Stephens may give way for Caceres game time, Anchibe meh, using your FT to get out Zaha and Benteke seems a waste on a WC ad you will need those transfers for emergencies

    4. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Yes fair enough. Sound advice.
      I have a low team value.

      Any suggestions on better options?.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Cech, Pick
        Yoshida, Blind/Bailly, B Davies, Gabriel/Arsenal, Holgate
        Sanchez/Hazard, Pedro/Coutinho/Redmond etc, King Erik, Sane
        Kane Rashford Gabbiadini

        as a few different suggestions but on the same theme ... it is very tricky though

  24. ptr88
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    What you guys think of following WC:

    Cech/Pickford
    Alonso-Stephens-Clichy-Bailly-Benaloune(Lei)
    Sane-Haz-Sanchez-Alli-Coutinho
    Kane-Gabbi-Anchibe

    Then save 2 transfers and do like following in GW37:

    Anchibe -> Jesus
    Coutinho -> Capoue

    Then I have 15 players with DGW, but not sure of playtime on Benaloune when Morgan comes back. I will play 3-5-2 until GW37 if Jesus or another striker comes in.

    1. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Solid team that!

      1. makaveli123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Benaloune though. What about Holgate instead?

    2. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Watford have cheap double gameweekers who start if that's what you are after.

  25. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    My DGWers from 34:

    Valdes: 0
    Chambers: 0
    Negredo (c): 4
    Valencia: 0
    Zaha: 2
    Benteke: 12

    Pretty poor to be fair!

    The good: Still 11 players to go and expecting Valencia to actually play this time
    The bad: Valdes unlikely to play
    The ugly: Pickford comes in, a 0-0 would be nice, apart from for my captain Negredo!

    How about the community?

    1. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      6 DGWers and no Benteke so absolute garbage.

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        *so far 😉

    2. The Rock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Only brought Gibson in on a FT, never liked the look of this DGW.

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        I've had Valencia since before the rotation started. I had Valdes since before the injury. I put Chambers in as bench fodder on WC. Negrado came in as a punt when Ibra got injured.

    3. Mark-O
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Benteke(c). Downside was Gibson and Lukaku. Overall it's still a positive result so far.

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Benteke (c) is nice. I had the gut telling me to put it on Tekkers and it was on him over Ibra until the Ibra injury, then I switched in Negredo and put the (c) on him. Horrible herd over heart moment for me!

        1. Mark-O
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          Liverpool is bound to concede for sure but whether Benteke scores or not is a punt on luck. It's usually form over fixtures for me and also manager's tactics too

          1. Smurf
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 19 days ago

            I wouldn't say it was "a punt in luck" considering his form.

    4. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      DDG: 6
      Bailly: 6
      Valencia: 0
      Zaha: 2
      Benteke (c): 24

      Mines worked out really well to be honest and I'm fairly confident all will start their second games.

      Avoiding Boro was always my plan ever since their DGW was announced.

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        A shame Valencia missed out for my triple Utd cleansheet.

      2. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        great (c). Well done! Really annoyed I didn't stick with Benteke but Negredo could redeem himself

        1. Smurf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          Thanks. The captain pick was a classic form over fixtures duel. Benteke had the form Negredo had the fixtures. Form always comes out on top for me. Especially when you think regardless of their opposition Boro aren't going to score many goals so Negredo was never going to get a "haul".

          1. bigbudgie
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 19 days ago

            never say never smurfy boy, Sunderland at home coming up!

          2. thomashl
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 19 days ago

            That's what I've learned from this GW...

    5. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      DDG - 6
      Blind - 8
      PVA - 1
      Negrado (c) - 4
      Tekkers - 12

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        nice on the DDG/Blind - makes my Valencia doubly annoying!

        1. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 19 days ago

          Yeah I switched Valencia out for PVA last week as I figured he wouldn't start both, hoping PVA gets a start in the next 2

    6. Sjaugen
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      3 DGWers with Benteke + Valencia/PvA

    7. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      DeGea 6
      Gibbo 0
      PVA 1
      Benteke 12

      Saved my ft so I'm happy enough.. Coulda had Gestede

  26. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Glad I shifted alonso and anichebe for Gibson and Negredo this gameweek, what a shrewd move. Truly excellent.

  27. French Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    For those who don't have a WC - How badly do you think it will affect your OR ?

    1. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      not at all
      My team is not too far off all the wildcards being posted already. And that's what I thought would happen when I pulled the trigger a few weeks ago

      1. Fitzy.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 19 days ago

        Spot on.

    2. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      How badly? Not at all. From now to 37 I plan to take 1 hit (maybe 2) and I'm very happy with my squad. Climbed 50k places in the last 4 game weeks since I played it an I'll have another green at the end of this GW by the looks..

  28. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    What's your thoughts on this WC team?

    Cech Pickford
    Alonso Vertonghen Stephens Kone Holgate
    Eriksen Sanchez Hazard Sane JWP
    Jesus Kane Gabbi

    0.3ITB

    1. The Rock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Not the biggest fan of Kone but apart from that it looks good.

    2. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      for this week?

    3. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Seen lots of wildcards with Jesus and Gabbi - but am not convinced (yet).

      Both returning from injury. Both rotation risks.

  29. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Thoughts on this WC team lads? 0.0 ITB

    Pickford - Jakupovic

    Monreal - Clichy - Yoshida - Stephens - Holgate

    Sanchez - Hazard - Eriksen - Sane - Kante

    Kane - Gabbiadini - Rashford.

    1. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      kante and Rash weak links..Also Rash rotaion risk

    2. The Rock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Kante won't do much, I'd consider downgrading Monreal/Clichey and improve on Kante.

  30. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 19 days ago

    Alot of wc include Anichebe..Do you see value in him?

    1. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      No but should be a safe 4 pts and you never, goal or assist isn't off the cards. Great value for a nailed striker. More potential than any mids at that price with a double

    2. Mark-O
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      3-5-2 but don't see any value tbh.

    3. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      4 points value in dg37. Benched until then.

      Would allow me a midfield of Sanchez, Hazard, Eriksen, Alli and Sane, plus Kane, plus 1.5m.

      In the absence of many nailed-on, in-form mid-priced options, definitely worth considering.

    4. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Only for facilitating a 3-5-2 and then BB in 37

    5. thomashl
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 19 days ago

      Yes, and relieves you of a benching headache.